After market belly pads and shoulder pads- safe??

[cdlamis]

I ran across some custom belly pads made for Britax seats. We have lost our belly pad and one shoulder pad- again. I saw some cute custom ones (made of the soft minky dot material). I am SO tempted because it is so cute but I had to run here first to check with all of you. Please tell me they are ok! :)

http://cgi.ebay.com/CAR-SEAT-SEAT-BELT-STRAP-COVERS-MINKY-MINKEE-DOTS-BCMM_W0QQitemZ160153014355QQihZ006QQcategoryZ66693 QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

Daniella
Mom to Julia 6/02
and Bella 12/04
"http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_sapphire_24m.gif"

[Joolsplus2]

I'd be a trifle worried because they appear so much longer than the standard issue Britax covers... If they were as short and as thin (or thinner) than the real ones, they'd probably be ok (I had a friend make some 'just like!' her MA covers and I think Britax even said that was ok...)

Belly pads are a couple bucks, in limited fabrics, at www.returnsforsale.com (their website is kind of the pits you have look for them like a needle in a haystack, but they are like $1.50 plus a couple bucks shipping).

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/Leah.aspx

[801kelle]

Just because people or companies make after market products doesn't mean they are safe.

My cousin who is a CPS Tech.. she says you only use things on your car seat that your car seat comes with... ie... shoulder pads and belly pads. These are car seats are crash tested with these items to make sure they work properly.

After products are not tested with the car seats so they could inhibit they safety ability of your car seat.

I wouldn't use any after market products with my car seat.

GREAT ARTICLE ABOUT USING AFTER MARKET PRODUCTS WITH YOUR CAR SEAT:

http://cpsafety.com/articles/AftMarketMan.aspx

QUOTE FROM ABOVE ARTICLE:

Britax's statement: "The use of non-Britax Child Safety, Inc covers, inserts, toys, accessories, or tightening devices is not approved by Britax. Their use could cause this restraint to fail Federal Safety Standards or perform worse in a crash. Their use automatically voids the Britax warranty." (This statement can be found under the Warranty section of all Britax Child Restraint manuals)